More than 350,000 visitors are expected to attend the Missouri State Fair this year, and Midwest Dairy is once again welcoming fairgoers to the Gerken Dairy Center with delicious dairy treats, interactive experiences, and exciting new attractions.
This year's Flavor of the Fair, Red, White, & Boom by Hiland Dairy, was selected and endorsed by Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. Featuring strawberry, vanilla, and blueberry-flavored real ice cream, the patriotic, limited-time treat offers a colorful blend of classic flavors for fairgoers to enjoy throughout the Missouri State Fair.
"The Missouri State Fair is a chance for dairy farmers to share what we do with families from across the state," said Marilyn Calvin, Missouri dairy farmer and chair of Midwest Dairy's Ozarks Division Board. "Whether someone stops by for the Flavor of the Fair, a grilled cheese sandwich, or to watch a milking demonstration, we hope they leave with a better understanding of the care and dedication that goes into producing wholesome dairy foods every day."
Another fair favorite returns with this year's butter cow display, themed "Great American Pastime." Hand carved by renowned butter sculptor Ander Weis, the sculpture is created from approximately 600 pounds of real butter and celebrates one of America's most beloved traditions.
In addition to the featured ice cream flavor, the Gerken Dairy Center is introducing two new Dirty Sodas, the Freedom Soda and the Show Me Classic. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of premium ice cream treats, grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled ham and cheese, pizza grilled cheese, grilled bacon mac and cheese melts, and the ever-popular ice-cold milk.
Located on the northeast corner of the fairgrounds between the cattle barns and the coliseum, the Gerken Dairy Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can also explore educational exhibits, hands on activities and twice-daily milking demonstrations at 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
"The Gerken Dairy Center has become a must-visit destination at the Missouri State Fair because it brings together great food, agriculture, and education in one place," said Stacy Dohle, Missouri Farmer Relations Manager at Midwest Dairy. "From this year's new dirty sodas to the butter cow and interactive exhibits, we're excited to give fairgoers new experiences while continuing to celebrate Missouri's dairy farm families and the products they proudly produce.
Release courtesy of Gerken Dairy Center.
